Description
Simple recipe for moist pumpkin bars topped with a sweet cream cheese layer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the nuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter together until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill the bars for at least 30 minutes after frosting for easier cutting.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, spiced bars, easy baking